Its full of viewpoints to admire the scenery, stunning waterfalls, and good hikes all along this scenic drive. Located at the juncture of Banff and Jasper national parks, the center offers interpretive exhibits, gift shop, restaurant and cafeteria, an extensive . LaidBackTrip 2018-2023. If you can, visit Lake Louise and the gondola up Sulphur Mountain. HeyMondo offers competitive rates for all travelers. Estimated between Mon, Mar 6 and Fri, Mar 10 to 23917. You can also stay at Glacier View Inn and take more time to explore the Glacier. 17. We did a three-day mountaineering course with Yamnuska and summited on the third day the experience was epic. Before you get started on your trip to the Toe of the Athabasca Glacier, here's our travel guide, including some helpful information and advice on what to expect, trail description, and tips on things to do. When it comes to places to visit before they disappear, the Athabasca Glacier should be on your list. ), book the Ice Explorer Tour and Skywalk Tour together, on a tour from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, book the Ice Explorer and Skywalk tours together, drive from Jasper to Banff or Banff to Jasper and stop along the way, Jasper National Park is just filled with fun things to do and see, stretch of road that connects Jasper with Lake Louise, tons of attractions on the Icefields Parkway, this guided hiking tour that takes you onto Athabasca Glacier, join this bus tour onto the glacier instead. 17 Mar and Thu, 23 Mar to 98837. Pack a lunch to eat at the head of the Athabasca Glacier, where shattered ice and rock make an incredible lunchtime view. When it comes to the Skywalk the views and the novelty of a glass bottom are a bit of a letdown. If youre traveling in a group or with family, you can buy a single-day admission for your entire vehicle (up to 7 people in one vehicle.). . A great add-on to your trip here isbuying a ticket to go on the Skywalk. Day passes can be purchased at the park gates and are per day per person, but if youre staying a week or longer, its more cost-effective to just buy an annual pass instead. Located around halfway between Jasper and Banff on the Icefields Parkway, the Athabasca Glacier is one of the route highlights and one of the most accessible glaciers in the world.. You can take in the views from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre or book a Columbia Icefield Adventure Tour which will take you up onto the glacier on an Ice Explorer, a giant all-terrain vehicle, and includes . Chilling! In the summer - from May to October, you can also join the Columbia Icefield Adventure tour and experience the Athabasca Glacier. You can walk up to the terminus of Athabasca Glacier from the parking lot for free. Athabasca Glacier lies on the Columbia Icefields Parkway midway between the Jasper National Park and Banff National Park. Getting to Athabasca Falls: From Jasper, travel south on Highway 93 (Icefields Parkway) then turn right onto Highway 93A. Answer 1 of 6: Hi, My family of 4 is heading out to the Canadian Rockies this summer and we'll be in Jasper on the 25,26,27 of June. The Columbia Icefield is the largest icefield in the Canadian Rockies and covers around 230 sq km (89 sq mi) at depths up to 265 meters (1,200 ft). This is a common thing at the popular glacier hikes, and Athabasca Glacier is no exception to that. This type of pass is valid for one person for one day. . Also, campervans or RVs will allow you to see everything you put on your itinerary, and thanks to it, your trip will be more flexible. Board the Ice Explorer, a large six-wheeled all-terrain vehicle. In the past 125 years, the Athabasca Glacier has halved in volume. The rooms here are around $329 CAD. Whether it be buying a coffee or (even better) purchasing a unique print for your home from The Banff Print Shop all purchases help with the upkeep of this site that is updated daily. Including transportation from Banff and lunch,this glacier touris the most popular option as it gets you access to the incredible glacier walk as well as a pretty sweet add-on with the Skywalk. $21.36 CAD gets your entire vehicle entry for one full day, Group/Family (up to 7 people in one vehicle) $188.59 CAD. Day 3 - The Rocky Mountaineer to Kamloops. Its likely youll want to visit the Columbia Icefield when in the Canadian Rockies as its one of the best things to do in Banff. Cheers for joining us on our adventures! We now know what to avoid. The scenery along the way is stunning; it's very easily accessible, family-friendly, photogenic, and unlike often overpriced tours, it is possible to see it for free (although there are more expensive alternatives how to see the glacier up close), so it is perfect for all budget travelers. Within . Visiting this unique spot is like stepping back in time in fact, some of the ice at the end of the Athabasca Glacier was snow that fell on the icefield some 400 years ago! A massive tour bus with wheels the size of a car drive visitors across the glacier to a large parking area on the glacier. As time passes, the snow transforms into ice and begins to flow outward through gaps in the mountains surrounding the icefield, creating great tongues of ice called glaciers. On your walk through the dry glacier field you can see posts marking the glacier's retreat. 52.220281, -117.22405 . Continue reading this blog post for everything you need to know to experience the Athabasca Glacier in Jasper National Park for yourself, including distance, elevation gain, how to get there, the best time to visit, and lots of photos of my experience. July and August offer the best weather, but that's also the most crowded time of year. 4.8. It's estimated to be at least 12,000 years old. With approximately 200,000 km2 of glacier coverage in the Arctic and the West . Although you can use public transport, on some occasions, it means your trip will not only require more time but more planning. More information on staying safe in the outdoors. The trail gradually leads uphill, with some steeper sections along the way. This gives you free admission to all national parks in Canada for a full year for $72.25 per adult or $145.25 for a family of up to 7 people. This makes the visit more enjoyable, and you can focus on the incredible experience in front of you. Day 2 - Exploring Vancouver. You do not need a reservation for the tours at the Icefield Discovery Center unless you have a large group, though reservations never hurt and do guarantee your time and booking. You can also stay at Glacier View Inn and take more time to explore the Glacier. While you can drive the Icefields Parkway in the winter, weather dependent, the Columbia Icefields Discovery Center does close. Lake Louise | Lake Louise Inn - Newly renovated rooms, onsite restaurants, fitness center, and a heated indoor pool, this hotel is a perfect place to stay either during the summer and in the winter as well (they even provide a free shuttle service to the Lake Louise Ski Resort). Less than a minutes drive (super close!!) Whats really cool is you can take a tour out on this glacier in a special all-terrain bus known as an Ice Explorer. This gives you a chance to explore this area with a closer home base. 17 BEST Stops on the Drive from Vancouver to Whistler - Road Trip Guide, How to Get to Moraine Lake (from Banff, Canmore, Calgary, and More! The Parker Ridge Trail is a short 2.7 km (1.6 miles) trail just south of the Discovery Centre. We meet at London Heathrow for our flight to Vancouver, and check into the city's exceptional Fairmont Hotel for two nights. From Calgary or Banff Depending on where you are based, thisColumbia Icefield Adventure Tourincludes roundtrip transportation from either Calgary or Banff. Even though the road connects Jasper and Lake Louise or Banff, Columbia Icefields Parkways can sometimes be blocked by snow and impassable. If you dont mind being a few hours from Downtown Banff, the Town of Jasper or really anywhere else I highly recommend booking a night here. Alternatively, turn the opposite direction down a rough and bumpy road if youd like to walk up to the Athabasca Glacier, just near the large Sunwapta Lake. Here is the opportunity to stand on a glacier, a once in a lifetime experience. If youre after a souvenir to take home with you, there are tons of gift shops in the Jasper townsite to check out. The experiences are allowed to be used on separate days. . Wilcox Pass is a moderately challenging 4 km (2.5 miles) hike that starts at the Wilcox Creek campground. 9 Vatnajokull Glacier, Iceland. Day 1 - London and Vancouver. Easy 4.5 (1071) Jasper National Park. If you book online, these are the rates you will pay, otherwise the "regular" rate should you purchase on-site will be 10% extra! For car rentals, I use the website DiscoverCars.com. Because youre not driving, youll be able to enjoy the scenic views! Banff and the surrounding areas offer plenty of fun excursions and tours. Of course, very few will drive the parkway in that amount of time as there are a plethora of worthy stops along the way. Columbia Icefield Adventure includes the Ice Explorer Tour on the Athabasca Glacier, admission to the Skywalk and return transportation from the Glacier Discovery Centre. According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Athabasca Glacier: Tread Lightly Glacier Hikes (From $138.10) 6 Day Rocky Mountain Explorer Private Tour; Circle West - Canadian Rockies Round Trip Bus Tour From Vancouver; Guided Glacier Hike on The Athabasca with IceWalks (From $98.25) Jasper to Banff One-Way Tour (From . Its a bit steep to start but is still rated as an easy hike. Very informative and helpful. This pass will give 365 days of access to all participating national parks in Canada. In case you don't want to read them, in short, several meters deep and hidden crevasses appear every few years, and there is a risk of falling inside. If you have time to look around, stop by the information desk inside the center for recommendations on what to do in the area. Columbia Icefield, Athabasca Glacier, Toe of the Athabasca Glacier. When you stand on Athabasca Glacier it feels a bit like standing in front of an open freezer. From the center, you can book tickets on the Ice Explorer or Columbia Icefield Skywalk. Tickets for the experiences operate on time slots so its best to purchase your tickets in advance to avoid a long wait or the tickets being sold out entirely. Its quite large, and you should be able to find a spot here. Glacier hiking tours start at $105 CAD (as of 2018) plus tax. Additional Information. All that being said, we do understand the want to see a glacier up close, and if you are going to gain knowledge about glaciers, I suppose we can sacrifice one in the hopes that others around the world are saved. In fact, Ive used them all over the world including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. Our aim is to help you get the most out of your trip to Banff National Park and the surrounding areas. Rapidly receding, the Athabasca Glacier draws visitors from around the world. Icefields Parkway Weather (Best Time to Visit) Just like Banff and Jasper, the Icefields Parkway drive is fairly mild and warm in the summer months and very cold in the winter. This is also a great opportunity to take in fantastic views from the Glacier Skywalk. So we are breaking down helpful tips to know before you go. When you see this behemoth slowly driving across the receding glacier, you might start questioning yourself if this is what this unique environment really needs. The highlight is a glass-floor platform where you can see directly down almost 1,000 feet below! Day 6 - Jasper. Water from the Columbia Icefield and its glaciers makes up underground rivers and caves and flows to three different oceans. You can also book the glacier tours and Skywalk here. Icefields Parkway itinerary was packed already, and these tours seemed really expensive to us for what they offer. Photos (377) Directions. Trail Length: 1.0km (.62 miles) Difficulty: Easy; Elevation Gain: 26m (85 feet) 7. Wilcox Pass is a moderately challenging 4 km (2.5 miles) hike that starts at the Wilcox Creek campground. Athabasca River is 1231 kilometers long river that originates in Jasper National Park at the end of Columbia Glacier and runs across the province of Alberta into enormous Lake Athabasca, spreading across the borders between Alberta and Saskatchewan. The park's manager says the glacier could disappear within one generation. It should answer all the questions you have about where the glacier is, if you have to book a tour, parking options, and all about the nearby visitor center. We'll talk about it later in this blog post. The operating season is mid-April to mid-October. mi (6 sq. These peaks sit along the continental divide and most notable is Snow Dome where water flows to either the Pacific, Atlantic, or the Arctic Ocean. Something you will quickly realize when searching for hotels. The Athabasca Glacier is the most-visited glacier in all of North America. The Icefield forms a high altitude ice-cap that lies on a plateau. One of the many highlights of our Western Canada & the Rockies tour is to take a snow coach ride on a real-life glacier! Youll see the Crowfoot Glacier, Athabasca Falls, Bow Lake, the incredible glacier tour, and a visit to the Skywalk. Our budget was also quite limited, and we saved the money for the Mount Assiniboine Trek, which we did a few days later. There are many reasons why to include the Athabasca Glacier hike on your Canadian Rockies itinerary. Estimated delivery dates - opens in a new window or tab include . The Skywalk is a short (5-minute) free shuttle ride away from the Discovery Center. Youll get excellent views of the Columbia Icefield, and in the summer, wildflowers are beautiful along this trail. Location: Athabasca Falls is located in Jasper National Park just off the Icefields Parkway on Highway 93A. The thickness of Athabasca Glacier lies between 300-980 ft (90-300 m). Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 28 min to complete. Feel free to leave any questions in the comment section below. Near park entrances visitors can take advantage of updated information on the Travelers' Information Station at 1610 AM. These tours are VERY popular and often book out in advance. Learn more on our about us page! The road is usually closed from November to May because of snowy and icy conditions. Its field staff is rigorously trained, especially for the glacier tour, which also includes educational facts . Being prepared is the best defense. and even have coverage in case you get that dreaded c-word. Its one of thebest places to visit in Alberta! The best time for enjoying Athabasca Glacier is between June and September, when temperatures are higher, and your chances for the visit are the best. Tourists walk on the Athabasca Glacier, part of the Columbia Icefield in Jasper National Park, on May 7, 2014. 5.0Atmosphere. The Athabasca Glacier is just one of the enormous glaciers that make up the Columbia Icefield. Nevertheless, the hike itself is free. The Icefields Parkway, where the icefield and glacier are located, is maintained by Parks Canada, and youll need a Parks Canada Pass to drive along it, even if you dont plan on stopping anywhere. At 6km in length, it is the only glacier in the area. Walk to Athabasca Glacier's base on a well-marked trail from the car park and enjoy the stunning scenery of Columbia Icefield for free. Ill have a car. 13 Mar and Fri, 17 Mar to 23917. This nearly four mile (6 km) glacier, located in Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies . Its safe to say that travel insurance has saved us thousands over the years! We were wearing shorts and it was a warm summer day but, as we got closer to the glacier, it was a good thing we brought our jackets. For campers, there are two nearby campgrounds. This short walk up to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier is located in the Columbia Icefield, the largest icefield in the Rocky Mountains. Please do not use my photos or trip reports without receiving permission. As many flowers as there are, there are few enough that if we all took one, then there wouldnt be any left. But there are a few other options if you have time to burn and very deep pockets. 7. Travelingfrom Banff in the direction of Jasper, it will take you around 2.5 hours to get the 187 kilometers (116 miles) to the glacier. About 1 million people come to the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier every year. If you're planning on traveling to Glacier National Park during April, you should expect temperatures topping out at around 53 degrees Fahrenheit and lows of about 30. Icefields Parkway is a major tourist attraction, and the Columbia Icefield is one of the biggest highlights on this road. After enjoying the views, we walked slowly back to the car park. We just couldn't justify the price tag for this attraction - a whopping 36 CAD. You may opt out of personalised ads at any time. Columbia Icefield is the largest ice field in the Rockies of North America. SafetyWing is our go-to insurance when we are going on longer trips. Before you start the hike, enjoy the Sunwapta Lake's views (don't forget also to visit Sunwapta Falls later) which is located right next to the parking lot. No need to worry about safety as these glass panels are literally bulletproof and then some. The toe of the Athabasca Glacier sit at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level, some visitors might notice that the air is thinner here, and it's a little bit more difficult to breathe when you are walking up. There are a few different options, whether youre looking to visit the Columbia Icefield and walk on the glacier, see the incredible Skywalk on the edge of a cliff, or turn your time here into a full-day hiking experience. However, you need to (obviously) pay for the tours. Even if you dont have plans for one of the tours its worth stopping for a refreshment, to stretch the legs, or use the washroom. They offer travel medical insurance thats super affordable (only $42 USD per 4 weeks!) There are not many options for food along the Icefields Parkway. Ive marked the trailhead on the map above. I love this area of the world, so make sure you stop in eitherJasper,Banff, orLake Louise. He has a passion for all things in the Canadian Rockies and loves to spend his time snowboarding, scrambling, camping, biking, and trail running. This was such a waste of time thats easily avoided by booking one of the tours I linked above before you go. This 1km (.6 mile) walkway towers over the Sunwapta Valley. Youll hike uphill before the trail evens out. Finally, the crowds. Said that there is a campground very close to the Athabasca Glacier walk. You can check out guided ice walk tours here. This is one of North America's most visited glaciers. After the walk to the glass-bottomed bridge its a short, but thrilling walk for many as they peer down on the valley far below. We highly recommend booking an Ice Walk tour and not try to walk on the glacier on your own. With a million people coming every year between May to October, you wont be alone in wanting to stop here. There is so much to do in this part of the Canadian Rockies. Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre . That being said its easy to walk on the glacier with a guide. from the Skywalk isTangle Creek Falls. 3-day tour from Calgary Airport If youre flying into Calgary,this touroffers the chance to see some of the highlights of this area with all the details taken care of. Glacier Adventure will allow you to travel onto the glacier in an Ice Explorer, a giant vehicle that's modified to conquer the glacier's icy surface. If the budget is not a concern, you can join a guided tour that will safely introduce you to this natural sight. If youre hiking the free trail, theres a small parking lot near the trailhead. We're a family who hike quite a bit - and so - are interested in. For us, booking hotels or campsites this well in advance was one of the most annoying things to do when planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies, but it's a necessary thing to do. You'll get excellent views of the Columbia Icefield, and in the summer, wildflowers are beautiful along this trail. 697 m. 4.5-6h. Bad weather or fog can totally obscure the view. Most people will bring snowshoes to do this trail in the winter as it isnt cleared, and the road leading to the parking lot is closed from November until May. The glacier is about 13 kilometers (8.1 mi) long and covers around 30 sq km . Honestly, the views from the cafeteria and restaurant of the Discovery Center are fantastic for free. The Icefield forms a high altitude ice-cap that lies on a plateau. Except for modern rooms, guests can enjoy a hot tub, steam room, sauna, and useful facilities such as luggage storage and ski storage. Wilcox Creek Campground has first come, first served sites, and it's an excellent choice for all visitors who don't want to spend a fortune on accommodation and want to stay close to the Athabasca Glacier, Wilcox Pass, and other points of interest. per adult. Day passes can be purchased at the . This article may contain affiliate links. From the top, you can spot countless glaciers, icefields, and many of Albertas highest peaks. When approaching the Columbia Icefield, in which the Athabasca Glacier resides, one of the first things you will notice (after the glaciers themselves) is the large visitors center on the east side of the road. The Ice Explorer Vehicles leave every 15 to 30 minutes in the summer and can cycle through a large number of visitors. To see even more of this incredible area, hiking with an experienced guide is a great option. For 99 CAD, it's one of those typical tourist things to do, so only you can tell if it's worth it. BEST TIME TO VISIT. Athabasca Falls were formed as the Athabasca Valley Glacier receded through what is today Jasper National Park. If youre scared of heights it may make your heart skip a beat as the view down to the valley floor 300 meters below can be dizzying. You can then continue onto the Toe of the Athabasca Glacier trail, a further 1.4 km (0.9 mile) return . The best way to get from Canmore to Athabasca Glacier (Land) costs only $100 and takes just 4 hours. One of the best hotels in Jasper is right at the foot of the Columbia Icefield. If you're feeling brave, book an Athabasca Glacier Tour where you can walk on and drink from the 10,000-year-old sheet of ice (with an expert guide and the right equipment, of course! While we think you can get better views on a hike than the Skywalk, the Skywalk is accessible for all and will help everyone get the most out of their trip that may not have the ability to enjoy long hikes. Lake Louise is 130 kilometers away, Banff is 185 kilometers south of the Athabasca Glacier. The Icefields Parkway itself is a fantastic drive with a ton of great places to stop. Wear sturdy shoes even though it might seem the distance is short for the hassle. Roughly you can plan on the center to open from early May to mid-October. Athabasca Glacier. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. km). To reach the summit requires a long hike to a technical glacier crossing and then up an exposed face or col. Accompanied by a My Travel Experience tour escort*. The Athabasca Glacier is just one of many beautiful stops along the world-famous Icefields Parkway. Bring appropriate layers (remember youll warm up once you start hiking) and sun protection. If youre driving with an RV, there is overnight parking available in a large asphalt lot on the west side of the Discovery Centre. There are so many breathtaking places along the way that you will have to plan your itinerary very carefully and find a balance on what is, according to you, worth seeing and what is better to skip. In the photo above you can Mount Columbia, Snow Dome, Andromeda, and Alberta. Glacier Skywalk and Columbia Icefields (1 hour 15 minutes from Jasper) You will probably want to spend most of the time here. 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